When purchasing cannabis online you will come across different weed strains that fall into three distinct categories: indica, sativa and hybrid. Indica versus sativa easily be understood once you know the difference.

Indica strains are calming and sedating, great for relaxing at home

• increases mental relaxation
• muscle relaxation
• decreases nausea
• decreases acute pain
• increases appetite
• mainly for evening use

Sativa strains are great for social activities, it will not leave you over tired

• anti-anxiety
• anti-depressant
• treats chronic pain
• increases focus and creativity
• increases serotonin
• for day time use

Hybrid strains are a combination of indica and sativa effects

• the best attributes of indica and sativa
• a more balanced high

Indica, sativa and hybrid strains all have distinctive effects for the user.

Physical profile of sativa and indica plants

Sativa

1. tall in structure
2. narrow leaves
3. longer flowering cycle
4. warm climates with a long growing season

Indica

1. shorter in stature
2. broad leaves
3. shorter flowering cycles
4. better for colder climates with a shorter growing season

Cannabis profiles

The cannabinoid profile of a particular strain will determine how high you will get. Experienced cannabis users may prefer a strain with a high THC content, other people may experience anxiety from a strain with a high THC level.

If you are a newbie to cannabis I recommend starting with a strain with a low THC level. You will have a better experience as a first timer if you sample a strain that isn’t potent.

Terpenes

Terpenes give your strains the aroma and tastes that marijuana connoisseurs crave. Indica strains like Purple Candy Kush and Lemon Haze benefit from the terpenes in cannabis.

Cannabinoids

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) responsible for the psychoactive effects from cannabis.

Cannabidiol (CBD) contains barely any THC and is best used as a medicine.

Anatomy of the cannabis plant

Cannabis plants can be either male, female or hermaphrodite. The buds cannabis users smoke or a consume come from the resin secreted flowers that are trimmed down to buds. The male plants pollinate the females in order to initiate seed production.

Trichome is the beautiful crystallized resin on a cannabis bud. The transparent aromatic oils are called terpenes.

Bract and calyx contains the female reproductive parts of the cannabis plant. They are tear shaped and covered in resin responsible for the highest concentration of cannabinoids. The calyx refers to a clear layer located at the ovule at a flower’s base.

 Cola is the group of buds that grow tightly together. The main colas can be located at the top of the plant.

Stigma and pistil contain the reproductive parts of the flower. Stigmas collect pollen from males. Pistils have hairlike strands. The stigmas of the pistil have a white colour that progressively darken as the plant matures.

Indica versus sativa easily explained

Once you know the main differences its easy to select your preferred strain, just remember to always start with a low THC level.